The Irish Spa Association (ISA) is urgently calling upon the Irish Government to provide full commercial rent relief to safeguard spas, salons and beauty businesses.

Ireland is in the highest level of lockdown, with all spa and salons closed, and the Government announced this week that these restrictions will remain in place until at least the second half of May.

Earlier on this month, the ISA met with government representatives to discuss support for the industry.

Irish spas have been closed since 21 October 2020, only interrupted by a brief reopening during early December which was then shut down on 24 December.

“The Government’s official reopening plan is unambitious and gives our members no line of sight or target to work towards,” ISA co-founder, Anita Murray, told Spa Business.

“Commercial rents are often the largest outgoing – after payroll – and in many cases the Government’s Covid Restriction Support Scheme support is not going far enough,” she explained.

“Businesses have taken on significant debts and with the suggestion this week that restrictions are set to continue many businesses may not be willing or able to take on more arrears and debt.

“The bottom line is we need a date.”

Murray was keen to emphasise that Irish spas, salons and beauty businesses are highly capable of keeping clients safe and running COVID-secure businesses.

The ISA's recent survey showed that 100 per cent of respondents were compliant with appropriate PPE measures and no surveyed facilities experienced confirmed COVID-19 outbreaks within the salon or spa setting.

“It’s clear we’re not working towards a zero COVID approach so we’re calling on the Government to recognise our proven track record and prioritise our reopening.

“Any further delay will result in job losses and business closures.”

Murray advised Irish spas and salons to continue working with the ISA and support it in its endeavours to gain a clearer picture of a reopening timeline from Government.

“Write to your local representative and ensure that we continue to champion the contribution of the spa experience to Irish health and economic prosperity.”